Despite “non-responsive” attitude of the Centre, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is hopeful of positive outcome of its pleas for GST exemption on gurdwara purchases.
Talking to mediapersons, SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar said the GST council, at its meeting scheduled for August 5, may grant immunity to all religious organisations.
The apex body had approached Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, CM Capt Amarinder Singh and also wrote to the PM and President.
A delegation of the SGPC and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) met Capt Amarinder Singh, who had recently put the demand before Jaitley on the same issue. “It is ethically and constitutionally wrong to tax religious organisations,” he said.
On Sikh Reference Library’s rare collection, Badungar said the Centre’s statement about not having the rare manuscruipts and books related to Sikh history after 33 years was discouraging one. In 1984, it was alleged that the library’s contents were confiscated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Indian Army after Operation Bluestar.
“The Centre should return these rare Sikh treasures which should be placed in the Sikh Reference Library. It was wrong to presume that this move may disturb the peace,” he viewed.
The SGPC also intends to set up a memorial of Sikh warriors who laid down their lives in the Cellular Jail at Andeman and Nicobar Island during freedom struggle. “The museum over there has downplayed the Sikh freedom fighters. We have constituted a panel to study the prospects and the move will be taken accordingly”, he said.
Badungar also revealed that SGPC will extend warm welcome to UK Parliament member Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi, who is expected to visit Golden Temple on July 26.
Meanwhile, the SGPC has also announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh to Moga-based cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur for her splendid performance in the World Cup.